Senior Deep-Space Navigation Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced navigation engineer to own end‑to‑end trajectory design and live flight operations for deep‑space missions. You will drive orbit determination, develop navigation software, and define models for high‑fidelity analysis in a highly collaborative ATX team.

You will work on missions to the Moon and Mars, with exposure to real‑time decision making, complex data processing, and cross‑disciplinary coordination.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 3+ years.
• Strong knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and estimation theory.
• Experience radiometric orbit determination using Doppler/range data and high-thrust maneuvers.
• Proficiency in Python, Julia, or C++ with software development/test experience.
• Experience with orbit-determination tools such as Monte, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
• Experience supporting spacecraft operations or mission rehearsals.
• Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Own lifecycle navigation from requirements to flight operations.
• Define filter strategies, parameters, and tracking data needs; process Doppler/range data.
• Perform live navigation operations during launch, cruise, maneuvers, and orbital events.
• Develop navigation software in Python, Julia, or C++, and test tools.
• Develop and validate models for high-fidelity navigation analysis.
• Automate navigation workflows and collaborate with ATX and external partners.
• Mentor junior navigators and present results in reviews.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Orbital mechanics

Python

C++

Java/Javascript

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in related field (optional)

Tools

Monte

STK/ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced navigation engineer to own end‑to‑end trajectory design and live flight operations for deep‑space missions. You will drive orbit determination, develop navigation software, and define models for high‑fidelity analysis in a highly collaborative ATX team.

You will work on missions to the Moon and Mars, with exposure to real‑time decision making, complex data processing, and cross‑disciplinary coordination.